Choosing the right battery plays a vital role in ensuring the overall performance of your vehicle. Whether you are buying a new car or considering replacing the battery for your old car, there are some important things you must keep in mind to choose the right battery.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the different types of batteries, their features, and choosing the right battery, so that you can choose the perfect battery for your vehicle without any hesitation and confusion.
Battery Function & Structure
The function of any battery is to give electrical energy based on its capacity. But their structure is different depending on the type of battery. We will know about it in detail later.
Functions
The vehicle battery provides the electrical energy required to start your vehicle. Apart from this, it also provides power to all electrical devices such as lights, radio, AC, and other accessories when the engine of the vehicle is off.
Structure
Vehicle batteries primarily come in the form of chargeable batteries, which consist of two major elements:
- Electrolytes: Acidic liquid, which converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
- Plates (lead plates): These are the electrodes, which conduct the electric current.
Types of Batteries
Based on the size and structure, there are different types of batteries, which are also important to know about.
#1. Lead-acid Battery
This is the most common and traditional type of battery, which is used in many vehicles. It has the following sub-types:
Flooded lead-acid battery: This is the most economical type, but it requires regular maintenance, which includes checking the water and maintaining the level of electrolytes.
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery: It is more advanced and durable. In this, the electrolytes are contained in a fiberglass mat, making this battery leak-proof and requiring less maintenance. It is more expensive but offers higher performance and longer lifespan.
#2. Gel Battery
The electrolytes in gel batteries are in the form of gel, which makes it more stable. It performs better in harsh environments and high temperatures. However, these batteries are relatively expensive and are better suited for specialized applications.
#3. Lithium-ion Battery
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular in electric and high-performance vehicles. Its light weight, high energy density and long lifespan make it stand out from other batteries. However, its price is higher than other batteries.
Key Points To Consider While Selecting a Battery
Whenever you are going to select a battery for your vehicle, you must keep in mind the following important and crucial things, so that you can select a high quality and performance battery for your vehicle.
#1. Battery Size
The first step to choosing the right battery is to ensure that the size of the battery fits correctly in the battery tray of your vehicle. Car manufacturers usually recommend the correct battery size, which you can find in your vehicle manual. The wrong size of battery will not fit your vehicle, causing potential problems.
#2. CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)
CCA is a measurement that tells how much power the battery can provide to the engine in cold temperatures. If you live in an area where the temperature drops significantly in winter, it is necessary to choose a battery with a high CCA rating so that the engine can start easily in cold weather.
#3. RC (Reserve Capacity)
RC is a time measurement that tells how long the battery can provide power to electrical devices after its full charge without needing to be recharged. Choosing a battery with a high RC rating is especially useful when you need power for a long time, such as for long periods of light or AC use.
#4. Battery Lifespan
The average lifespan of a battery ranges from 3 to 5 years. But the type of battery, usage conditions, and maintenance can increase or decrease this period. To choose a long-lasting battery, check for batteries that offer a long warranty from the manufacturer.
#5. Battery Brand and Quality
Try to buy batteries from well-known and trusted brands. Some of the popular and trusted brands include:
- Exide: Known for high-quality and durable batteries.
- Amaron: Renowned for offering long lifespan and superior performance.
- Bosch: A reliable option for premium batteries.
#6. Battery Warranty and Guarantee
Warranty is available on all batteries, but some of the better brands also offer additional warranties and guarantees. Keep the warranty in mind while choosing a battery, as it is an indication of quality.
How To Take Care and Maintain The Battery?
If you take care of your vehicle’s battery on time and maintain it properly, then doing so helps in increasing the performance and life of your vehicle’s battery.
#1. Regular Check-Up
Regularly checking the condition of the battery is important for the safety of your vehicle’s electrical system. Check the battery terminals from time to time, so that no rust or dirt has accumulated.
#2. Cleaning and Washing
Regular cleaning is necessary to keep the battery connection terminals clean and rust-free. Rust accumulated on the terminals can hinder the flow of electricity and reduce the life of the battery.
#3. Battery Charging
If your vehicle is parked without use for a long time, ensure that the battery is charged regularly. This can prevent the battery from discharging and maintain its functionality.
Conclusion
Often, while buying a battery for your vehicle, you should always take into consideration reserve capacity, battery size, checking owner’s manual, battery freshness, battery terminals, warranty, battery brand, etc.
If you drive in cold weather, look for high cold cranking amps (CCA) that can reliably start the engine in cold temperatures. A high reserve capacity (RC) can be useful, especially if you run accessories like lights or AC for long periods of time.
Battery life varies Battery ratings vary, so choose a battery with a strong warranty from reputable brands like Exide, Amaron or Bosch to ensure quality. Investing in a trusted brand with good performance ratings and warranty can increase the reliability and overall performance of your vehicle.
